"In this challenging economy, Cruise West wants to offer incentives to guests who book their Alaska vacation with us and have the comfort of knowing the exact price of their cruise," remarked President and Chief Executive Officer Dietmar R. Wertanzl. "Combine the fuel surcharge savings with the early booking discounts offered and guests will save hundreds of dollars by booking and paying in advance."

Guests can save $455 to $655, for example, on a 2009 eight-night/nine-day Alaska's Inside Passage cruise, including one-night hotel accommodations in Juneau, by booking and paying in full by December 12, 2008. This savings represents both the early booking discount and waived fuel surcharge promotion. The Alaska Inside Passage itinerary starts at $3,999 per person, based on double occupancy.

All Cruise West voyages include an excursion at every port, transportation to/from the airport, all gratuities and tips as well as the line's signature Exploration Leaders who share insightful information on the flora, fauna, culture and history of the region.

"We offer our guests what we feel is the best value of all," said Wertanzl, "and that is the small-ship cruise experience. Today's travelers are looking for authentic, memorable journeys. It's those transforming moments that we provide on our cruises that are truly priceless."

Alaska cruises range from three-night/four-day to 24-night/25-day, and start from $1,149 per person. For additional information on Cruise West Alaska itineraries visit www.cruisewest.com or to book a cruise call 1-800-689-1783.

Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising
Cruise West offers the opportunity to explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout North and Central America, Asia, South Pacific and Europe. Small-ship cruising allows for personalized experiences not offered by larger cruise lines. Guest capacities aboard Cruise West's nine ships range from 78-138. Guests may expect personal enrichment through insightful shore programs, onboard narrative and presentations by local experts from a wide variety of backgrounds. In addition, destination specific materials and an array of books are provided in the onboard library on every vessel. Cruise West considers it a privilege to access some of the world's most pristine wilderness areas and culturally rich countries. With this in mind, Cruise West views itself as good stewards and encourages crew and guests to act responsibly with respect to the environment and diverse cultures visited.

Cruise West - a second-generation, family-owned business based in Seattle - offers the opportunity to explore remote, worldwide locales by providing distinctive, one-of-a-kind, personalized itineraries not offered by the traditional larger cruise lines. Cruise West's smaller ships - nine in all - hold between 78-138 people each, and the casual style onboard encourages relaxation and congenial interaction between guests and crew alike. The experience is personally enriching through expert Exploration Leaders providing onboard narrative and lectures, special local guests from a wide variety of backgrounds, and the library provided on each vessel. All have forward lounges and ample outdoor deck space for viewing and photographing wildlife and scenery. All vessels are also equipped with inflatable landing boats for close-up exploration of remote areas and shore landings.

Destinations served include: Alaska and the Bering Sea, British Columbia, Columbia & Snake Rivers, California Wine Country, Mexico's Sea of Cortés, Costa Rica & Panama, Japan, the South Pacific, and the Kuril Islands.